The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has published the results of a study of publishing services provided by ARL member libraries. In late 2007, ARL surveyed its membership about the publishing services they offer. Following the survey, publishing programme managers at 10 institutions participated in semi-structured interviews to delve more deeply into several aspects of service development - the sources and motivations for service launch, the range of publishing services, and relationships with partners.
The study verified that research libraries are rapidly developing publishing services. By late 2007, 44 percent of the 80 responding ARL member libraries reported they were delivering publishing services and another 21 percent were in the process of planning publishing service development. Only 36 percent of responding institutions were not active in this arena.
According to the study, publishing services are rapidly becoming a norm for research libraries, particularly journal publishing services. The report further states that service development is being driven by campus demand, largely from authors and editors. Libraries are addressing gaps in traditional publishing systems, not replicating traditional publishing. Library publishing services are part of a range of new kinds of services libraries have developed or are developing, such as repository and digitisation services. Library publication services are developed in ways that are consonant with research library service culture, including close consultation with researchers and frequent use of partnerships. The use of various forms of revenue generation is common for publishing services, but core support comes from library resources and, in some cases, new campus funding.
In addition, the study stated that substantial investment in open source applications such as Open Journal Systems, Open Conference Systems, D-Pubs, and DSpace is facilitating service development. The numbers of titles research libraries are publishing represent a very thin slice of the scholarly publishing pie; yet, collectively research libraries are beginning to produce a substantial body of content.
The report, 'Research Library Publishing Services: New Options for University Publishing' by Karla L. Hahn, examines each of these findings in depth. It is projected to provide valuable context for librarians and campus leaders considering the opportunities offered by this rapidly emerging research library role. The report is available for free at the ARL website at http://www.arl.org/resources/pubs/reports/.
